The header tank, otherwise known as the feed and expansion tank or cistern, is an essential part of an open vented central heating system with a regular boiler. The role of the header tank is to supply water to the central heating system and also maintain the level of water, which expands when heated.
Where is the header tank on a heating system?
They're located at the highest point of the heating system, usually in the loft, alongside the larger cold water storage tank. As well as the tank that stores the water, header tanks are made up of:
What are header tanks made up of?
As well as the tank that stores the water, header tanks are made up of: 1 An overflow pipe that runs outside 2 Connection to the mains water supply via a ball valve 3 Cold feed pipe 4 Open vent pipe More ...
Do I need a cold water header tank for my boiler?
A regular boiler will always require a hot water tank and may also require a cold water header tank in the loft, depending on whether you are operating a vented or unvented hot water cylinder system. For this reason no cold water header tank is necessary.
What is the hole in a header tank for?
The hole towards the top of sinks is there to prevent water overflowing onto the floor and header tanks have a pipe that works in the same way. In the feed and expansion tank, there will be a float valve (another name for ball valves) which controls the flow of water into the tank.
What is header tank used for?
Header tanks, also called feed and expansion tanks, are used in all vented hot water and central heating systems, as a means of supplying a particular appliance or system with cold water, as well as taking up any expansion that comes as a result of the water being heated up.
Do I need a header tank?
Basically though, unvented hot water systems (also known as sealed systems) operate under mains pressure, and take advantage of a bubble of air in the cylinder or a separate expansion vessel to allow expansion of the hot water. For this reason no cold water header tank is necessary.
Why does my header tank keep filling up?
The most common cause of an overflowing header tank is a fault with the float mechanism, which may not be rising to the correct level and therefore not stopping the supply of water to the tank. This causes it to overflow through the outlet pipe (causing that cascade of water!).Nov 18, 2021
How do you fill a header tank?
2:054:15How To ... Fill Header Tank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow what would be doing here is filling up the water in the topper tank to that Ridge. Here. OkayMoreNow what would be doing here is filling up the water in the topper tank to that Ridge. Here. Okay mine's a little down. So just going to get some tap water that I prepared earlier here we go.
Do combi boilers need a header tank?
However, unlike a conventional boiler, it doesn't require a header, or cold feed, tank in the loft.
Should the water in central heating header tank get hot?
it should really be cold the vent pipe will be hot quite away up but the feed should only be hot about a ft from where it joins the system. keep your eye on it, if the top of the upstairs rads start going cold.Jan 31, 2009
How much water should be in central heating header tank?
This is so that the water in the central heating system has the space to expand when heated. The cistern must be able to accommodate the expansion of the water by approximately 4% of its original volume. The elevated water level must be at least 25 mm / 1 inch below the overflow.
How do I clean the header on my central heating tank?
How to use it:Step 1: Turn off the boiler, mains water supply and drain down the system. ... Step 2: Locate the central heating expansion tank and feed. ... Step 3: Add Everbuild P11 Central Heating System Cleanser to the expansion tank. ... Step 4: Turn on mains water supply, refill the system and restart the boiler.More items...
Why does my central heating expansion tank fill up with hot water?
Faulty coil in the hot water cylinder Over time, this coil can become perforated, meaning there's hole in the coil which allows water for the central heating into the domestic hot water being stored in the cylinder. This rise in water levels can then lead to the feed and expansion tank overflowing.Nov 5, 2021
How do I turn off the water to my header tank?
0:022:04How to isolate a central heating header tank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you can do is you can put a piece of water across the top of the tank. And you can mend it a onMoreWhat you can do is you can put a piece of water across the top of the tank. And you can mend it a on the ball valve. I'm actually going to use a wedding stuff.
Can I use isolation valves on central heating?
Remove the isolation valves. They should not be used on a heating system. In time they will only leak anyway. The only valve suitable to use on heating is a gate valve which I would not use.Apr 21, 2011
Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?
You should always bleed your radiators when the heating is switched off and the system has cooled down, because bleeding radiators with hot water flowing through the system increases the risk of scalds and burns.Sep 2, 2019
How does central heating work?
Basic Overview of how your central heating works; Your central heating system moves in a constant circle which pushes hot water from your boiler, to the heating elements and back again to accumulate more heat. The same water is locked within your system, and loops around again and again, unless you flush your heating system.
What are the components that expel heat into your desired rooms from your boiler?
These are the components that actually expel heat into your desired rooms from your boiler. These can consist of: Radiators – The most common way to heat a home. Underfloor Heating – This type of heat emitter is getting more common on extensions, renovations and new builds.
How does a boiler work?
The basic steps; Fuel enters your home from an external source or storage unit. Your boiler then burns the fuel, which creates flaming jets that heat a co pper pipe containing water . This pipe is run back and forth over and around ...
What is boiler heating?
The boiler is the heart of your central heating system; it delivers different amounts of heat energy depending on the size of the boiler and fuel type used . Boilers can come in many different sizes, which will be determined by how many kilowatts (kw) the boiler requires to heat your home.
What does it mean to know about your heating system?
Knowing about your heating system is always helpful, especially in times of crisis, as it means you can explain with confidence to a heating engineer or plumber the problems you are experiencing with your system.
What is an expansion vessel?
An Expansion tank is used to relieve pressure within the pipe work. When water is heated within the pipes it causes the hot water to expand by 4%.
How does hot water flow in a radiator?
Water flows around the closed circuit delivering hot water to each radiator connected to the system via pipework. The hot water enters the radiator from one side and leaves from the other side, cooler than when it started its journey.
Why add an inhibitor solution to a central heating system?
Adding an inhibitor solution to the central heating system will prevent corrosion and the formation of oxides. This is easily added via the cistern, once the heating system has been drained down and flushed out. Bacteria and mould spores can produce a foul smelling jelly or skin on the surface of the water.
What is a feed and expansion tank?
The feed and expansion tank, header tank, or feed and expansion cistern as it is technically known, is a cistern which supplies the central heating circuit with water and accommodates the expansion of the water when it is heated by the boiler. It is typically made out of plastic.
What is tank connector?
A tank connector connects the cistern to a feed pipe which supplies the central heating system with water and allows for the water, when heated, to flow back up into the cistern as it expands . This pipe should be at least 15mm in diameter and must never be fitted with an isolation valve.
Why is the ball valve in a feed and expansion cistern set?
The ball valve in a feed and expansion cistern is set so that when the central heating system is cool, the water level is only slightly higher than the outlet at the base of the cistern. This is so that the water in the central heating system has the space to expand when heated. The cistern must be able to accommodate the expansion ...
What is the pipe that goes down into the cistern?
Vent pipe. Another pipe connected to the central heating system rises up above the cistern to form a ‘U’ shape, and points down into it without coming into contact with the water. This pipe is known as the vent pipe, and serves as an exit point for any air which may have got into the system or any gases which may have formed inside it, ...
Why do you need a lid on a cistern?
This reduces the stress to the cistern wall from the upward force of the float. A close-fitting lid will prevent dust, insects, rodents, and bits of loft insulation from getting inside. These things could damage your central heating system or cause blockages.
What are feed cisterns made of?
Like the cold storage cistern, feed and expansion cisterns are generally made out of plastic. Common materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) may also be encountered.
Can a header tank overflow?
Left to its own devices, the header tank can start to overflow. There’s an overflow pipe on the header tank that will prevent serious damage, and the system is designed to remove excess water through this pipe. However, any continuous overflow should be investigated because the cause may get worse.
Can you check header tank without care?
Header tanks can be difficult to access, and checking the tank without care may result in air being sucked into you heating system. Avoid header tank problems: call a professional and have your tank checked out thoroughly.
